Claudio Reyna

Director of Football Operations, New York City FC

National Advisory Board, Chapter Board - New York City

Claudio, a former United States National Team Captain, had a storied playing career which spanned 12 years in Europe with Bayer Leverkusen, Wolfsburg, Glasgow Rangers, Sunderland and Manchester City. When with Wolfsburg, he was the first American player to ever wear the captain's armband in a European league. Before his retirement in 2008, Claudio returned to the United States and ended his playing career with the NY Red Bulls in Major League Soccer.

Claudio’s international career included 4 World Cups between 1994 and 2006, as well as the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games in Barcelona and Atlanta. In total, Claudio made 112 appearances for his country and was the first American player to be selected to the FIFA All World Cup team at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea. Claudio’s significant achievements led to his induction into the U.S National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2012.

After his retirement in 2008, Claudio launched the Claudio Reyna Foundation to nurture, encourage and develop soccer in America while fighting poverty and childhood obesity.

Claudio’s continued commitment to US Soccer and youth development led to his appointment to the position of Youth Technical Director of the US Soccer Federation in 2010, where he focused on modernizing the approach to youth player development.

In 2013, Claudio was introduced as the first ever employee of New York City FC when he was appointed Sporting Director and given the task to build a team for the new MLS franchise.

Claudio’s approach has been to build a Club that will compete at the top level in MLS while launching initiatives designed to highlight and strengthen New York's vibrant and widespread youth soccer community. His continued passion for youth development is further evidenced in the launch of New York City FC’s ground-breaking youth development league and the recent launch of the New York City FC Academy.

New York City FC kicked off its inaugural season at Yankee Stadium in March 2015.